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Brooding Brooks Range +1
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Brooding Brooks Range +1

by Igor Doncov

Gallery: LandscapePosted September 12, 2016271 views15 comments
Approaching Atigun Pass. As we got near the pass from the south the clouds started to break up, giving me an opportunity to work on grand landscape compositions. I could have spent the entire day shooting the same subject and not have 2 images alike because the clouds were constantly shifting and the light moved around on the surface of those mountains. My partner was impatient, though, and I got about 1/2 hour of shooting. Which is still a long time to have good light.

As you've probably noticed, I don't shoot these sort of scenes very much, so I'm really interested in what you think of this. The clouds are always a challenge in these images.

Canon 6D, 24-105@35mm, F8.0, 1/60, iso100, tripod, etc.

Comments

15 comments
Comment posted by Tom Falley on September 12, 2016 at 5:04 PM
Igor:

Perhaps you remember my comment about photographing in the Brooks from your veggie close up?  As this illustrates, the landscape is either near or far and not a lot in between.  Always a  trial for a photographer, maybe more of a patience trial for the non photographer. Could be worse, I know folks who paint in the field.  

I like the idea of adding some depth by facing a bit less straight on, a little more up and down valley view with receding hills. Yes the clouds and light here is quite special. 2 Am always has the most mysterious light!

Cheers:  Tom
Registered on November 21, 2014, 189 Posts, 454 Comments
Comment posted by Eva McDermott on September 12, 2016 at 8:51 PM
The layers of light and dark work nicely for me Igor.  I was only there once back in the early 80's so I can't assess other opportunities.
Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Chambers on September 12, 2016 at 11:46 PM
I am really enjoying this.  The subtle coloration (which I love) is so engaging, pulling me into the scene.  I also like the fact you resisted making the clouds abnormally dark, which so often seems to happen in this type of image.  The small blue patch of sky adds a splash of color that I appreciate as well.  My only nit is that I might increase contrast a bit.
Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments
Comment posted by Stephen Stanton on September 13, 2016 at 12:16 AM
I like the head on look, for me, the image does not need additional depth,  the cloud mass presents a good layer to the scene. Wasn't sure I liked the patch of blue sky but the more I move through the picture it does act as a bit of an anchor. The colors, shadows and light make this a great wall hanger. Nicely done. 
Registered on March 1, 2015, 54 Posts, 453 Comments
Comment posted by Igor Doncov on September 13, 2016 at 12:22 AM

2 Am always has the most mysterious light!


Yes it does:

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments
Comment posted by Marylynne Diggs on September 13, 2016 at 10:29 AM
I like the subtlety in is Igor.  I can imagine cropping off the darkest cloud at the top to bring more attention to the play of light across the foreground and mountains.  It's almost 50/50 here, so cropping from top or bottom might be an interesting exercise.
Registered on December 14, 2010, 122 Posts, 1034 Comments
Comment posted by Nick Bristol on September 13, 2016 at 5:15 PM
Igor, This is really, really nice! Wonderful composition and beautiful light with what looks like perfect web processing. Nothing I would even consider changing here. This image says Fine Art Print over and over to me. Excellent work...Cheers!

Your 2 AM shot is very cool.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.
Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments
Comment posted by Harley Goldman on September 13, 2016 at 5:50 PM
Beautiful understated image. I love the subtle tones and gentle mood. This should make a sweet print. 
Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments
Comment posted by Ian Cameron on September 14, 2016 at 10:35 AM
I think that it is charming and simple and it doesn't need anything else in it to bring me pleasure.  I also think the ratios and strength of your opposing hues of steely blue greys and tawny reds are just about balanced.  The small patch of sunlight spraying across your mid ground is great too.  Actually it looks distinctly like the Scottish Highlands in late autumn.
Registered on August 6, 2004, 1125 Posts, 3318 Comments
Comment posted by Ed Williams on September 14, 2016 at 2:08 PM
I really like the feel and balance of this one Igor. The band of light along the bottom third is a great contrast to the dark mountains and the foreboding skies.
Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on September 14, 2016 at 8:26 PM
Hi Igor,

Clouds, shadows, and bright warm colors of the lower mid-ground makes this a fun image to inspect. I think you handled this one quite well and yes this will make a wonderful printdevil.......................................Jim
Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments
Comment posted by Walt Sterneman on September 15, 2016 at 9:36 AM
I like the light and the gentle colors. Well done Igor.
Registered on March 24, 2010, 73 Posts, 1268 Comments
Comment posted by Anil Rao on September 17, 2016 at 10:42 PM
This is a very beautiful scene. The low contrast makes it look very painterly, which is perhaps what makes the image sing.

IMHO, the most interesting photographs are often complex and simple at the same time. This is a good example of what I am referring to.

Regards,
Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments
Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on September 18, 2016 at 1:30 PM
Nice gentle swath of light across the midground and dapling on the mountainside.  My only thought may be to lighten just a bit the darker cloud in the upper left.
Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments
Comment posted by Igor Doncov on September 18, 2016 at 1:38 PM
Doug, I totally agree with your observation about that cloud. 
Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments